The Banckers Draught, a sports bar in Minehead operated by Robert Hamblin within the former Royal British Legion premises on Bancks Street, has been granted an extension to its premises licence despite objections from Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
Known on social media as “Minehead’s go-to darts pub,” Banckers Draught broadcasts a variety of sporting events to its patrons. In May, Mr Hamblin applied to vary the existing licence to allow alcohol sales until 2am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a midnight closing time on other days.
This followed lengthy discussions and negotiations with local police, who had earlier issued Mr Hamblin a cease and desist notice in February, instructing him to stop contacting a member of the licensing team. Despite the police’s concerns-including allegations of patron disturbances and unruly behaviour-the local council approved the licence variation at a public hearing in Taunton.
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Mr Hamblin and his co-licensee, Amy Hobbs, initially proposed specific changes aimed at later closing hours. Speaking at the council meeting via Microsoft Teams on 4 September, Mr Hamblin explained that their focus was to open earlier to synchronise with the local “adult weekender” event at Butlin’s rather than simply extending closing times. He confirmed agreement with the police’s suggestion for a midnight closing on most days and a 2am finish on Thursday through Saturday. The pair also agreed to comply with conditions relating to live music.
The police submitted records of over 20 complaints against the venue since January. These included reports of patrons shouting in the street, instances of public urination, excessive music noise with doors sometimes left open, and an allegation of a staff member trespassing and photographing a neighbour’s belongings.
Mr Hamblin acknowledged the complaints but noted they predominantly came from former neighbours who no longer reside next to the premises. He urged the council to consider whether these complaints remain relevant given changes in circumstances and claimed some incidents occurred when the bar was closed.
Police Sergeant Lauren Whitby stated that while her team was not opposed to reasonable extensions, Mr Hamblin had failed to engage with the authorities before submitting his application and had not demonstrated adequate measures to mitigate potential risks. She highlighted concerns about the venue’s proximity to residential properties and confirmed receipt of video evidence supporting the complaints.
Furthermore, Sgt Whitby reported that Mr Hamblin had obstructed police efforts to access the premises, leading to the designated licensing officer being refused entry and the necessity to issue a cease and desist letter. Despite warnings, the alleged conduct continued, culminating in Mr Hamblin’s arrest, which police said compromised their ability to monitor the premises effectively if extended hours were granted.
An additional allegation from the police claimed that Mr Hamblin arranged for a 17-year-old to attempt to purchase alcohol at another venue. Mr Hamblin strongly denied this and stated the banning order was imposed by a staff member who felt victimised.
After confidential deliberations, the licensing sub-committee voted in favour of granting the new licence hours. Councillor Simon Carswell, who chaired the meeting, emphasised the need for the licence holder and relevant bodies to closely monitor operations and encouraged all parties to collaborate constructively moving forward.
In response to the decision, Mr Hamblin posted on the business' official Facebook page, expressing gratitude to the council for recognising their capability to operate safely. He announced the new opening times: alcohol service from 9am to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and from 9am to 2am Thursday to Saturday.
Banckers Draught’s licence extension marks a significant development for the Minehead nightlife scene amid ongoing discussions about community impact and responsible management.